Derek Vanslyke
Anson
Summary
Detail-oriented Aircraft Structural Maintenance Craftsman with 21 years of experience. Expertise in aircraft inspections, quality assurance, and damage assessment. Committed to enhancing operational efficiency and mentoring future professionals in the field.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Aircraft Structural Maintenance Craftsman
USAF
Abilene, TX
03.2004 - 07.2025
- Inspected aircraft structures for integrity, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and maintenance standards.
- Performed detailed repairs on airframes, utilizing advanced tools and techniques to optimize aircraft performance.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot structural issues, enhancing team efficiency and problem resolution.
- Mentored junior craftsmen in best practices for aircraft maintenance, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
- Developed and implemented streamlined processes for maintenance inspections, reducing turnaround time for aircraft servicing.
- Analyzed maintenance data to identify trends, informing strategic decisions for resource allocation and project prioritization.
- Reduced downtime for aircraft by efficiently completing repairs and modifications in a timely manner.
- Maintained compliance with industry standards and regulations through diligent adherence to guidelines and best practices.
- Collaborated with team members to complete large-scale projects, streamlining processes and optimizing resources.
- Managed workload effectively under tight deadlines without compromising attention-to-detail or quality assurance efforts.
- Provided technical expertise to junior craftsmen, fostering professional growth and development within the team.
- Supported mission readiness by maintaining accurate records of all performed maintenance activities and inventory of necessary materials.
- Fabricated sheet metal components for aircraft skin, working with highly sensitive materials requiring special manufacturing treatments, coatings and installation processes.
- Installed, rigged and removed flight control surfaces and fabricated and assembled metal components to make repairs to aircraft's skin.
- Removed corrosion and deposits on special surfaces and restored using manufacturers' protocols.
- Recorded maintenance actions in aircraft logbooks.
Quality Assurance Inspector
USAF
Abilene, TX
11.2016 - 02.2019
- Conducted detailed inspections of aircraft components for compliance with safety and quality standards.
- Developed and implemented inspection protocols to enhance product reliability and performance.
- Trained junior inspectors on quality assurance procedures and industry best practices.
- Collaborated with engineers to resolve discrepancies identified during inspection processes.
- Led quality audits, assessing operational effectiveness and identifying areas for process improvement.
- Reported repeated issues to supervisors and other departments, collaborating to identify issue roots and rectify problems.
- Communicated with production team members about quality issues.
- Used calipers and micrometer measuring instruments.
- Maintained accurate records of inspection findings, facilitating data-driven decision-making for process improvements.
- Conducted detailed inspections of equipment and systems to ensure compliance with military standards.
Education
High School Diploma -
Orangefield High School
Orange, TXSkills
- Adhesive bonding techniques
- Power tool operation
- Hand tool proficiency
- Aviation safety regulations
- Hydraulic system maintenance
- Continuous improvement mindset
- Quality assurance procedures
- Composite material repair
- Technical documentation mastery
- Blueprint reading proficiency
- Fastener selection
- Damage assessment expertise
- Aircraft corrosion control
- Precision sheet metal work
- Paint and coating application
- Rivet installation expertise
- Fabrication equipment use
- Tool control management
- HAZMAT handling
- Maintenance documentation
- Aircraft inspections
- Technical manual interpretation
- Precision measuring tools
- Secret security clearance
- Damage assessment
- Equipment maintenance
- Sealant application
- Teamwork
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Reliability
- Team collaboration
- Effective communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Decision-making
- Detail-oriented
- Relationship building
- Safety procedures
- Aircraft mechanics
- Aircraft maintenance
- Team building
- Military maintenance requirements
- Self motivation
- Professionalism
- Blueprint reading
- Quality control
- Structural repairs
- Continuous improvement
- Parts fabrication
Timeline
Quality Assurance Inspector
USAF
11.2016 - 02.2019
Aircraft Structural Maintenance Craftsman
USAF
03.2004 - 07.2025
High School Diploma -
Orangefield High School